Sen. Moore to Review College Costs for Veterans

Commission to study financial barriers, college attainment among veterans

BOSTON – Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) was appointed by Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) to serve on a Special Commission to study the cost and feasibility of exempting Massachusetts veterans from tuition, fees and associated costs of attending public colleges and universities in the Commonwealth.

“I look forward to being part of this effort to review potential opportunities to better assist our veterans with pursuing a college education,” said Senator Moore, who serves as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education.  “The mission of this Special Commission reaffirms our deep appreciation to the men and women of our Armed Forces, and their families.”

“We have an obligation as a society to ensure that those who served us are treated with the full respect they deserve,” said Senate President Spilka.  “That's especially true when it comes to the promise of higher education. I'm grateful to have Senator Moore's leadership on this vital issue, and look forward to the commission's recommendations.”

The Special Commission will perform several key functions including an evaluation of the cost and feasibility of exempting veterans from paying to attend in-state public colleges and universities, the societal impact of such an exemption for veterans and their families, and the effect of such a policy on the finances of the Commonwealth.

Senator Moore will serve on the Special Commission alongside twelve other members including the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Services, the Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education, a member appointed by the Governor who is a member of the Student Veterans of America, along with several other legislative colleagues.

The Special Commission was established as part of an omnibus veteran assistance bill signed into law earlier this year and codified as Chapter 218 of the Acts of 2018.  By statute, the Special Commission is required report its findings and any recommendations to the Legislature by July 1, 2019.